We had an early start to the day to take a trip to Mcleod Ganj, about two hours away. It was there we needed to get a permit to stay in Bir as it is restricted due the refugee status of the Tibetans here, and it being a colony. We were worried after hearing that the previous volunteer group waited quite some time and were questioned when applying for their permits. Luckily, securing ours was reasonably straightforward.
Mcleod Ganj, located in Upper Daramasala, is a lovely village nestled into the side of a mountain with stunning views. It is also the home of the Dalai Lama who is supposed to be visiting Bir next month after our departure.
There are lovely shops with all sorts of treasures to spend your money on, street food and some nice cafés and restaurants. A very touristy area with lots of alternative-looking Europeans.
Marijuana is easily available too, apparently.
We went for a walk from the village to a lovely waterfall where there were monks were washing clothes, people bathing, and others just soaking in the sights.
Sunday 30th
Today was the day we went PARAGLIDING- oh my god, I have never been so challenged in my life!
We travelled in a van up a very windy, narrow road with stunning views but that racked our nerves before we even started. We travelled through a rhododendron forest and saw a few monkeys on the way.
Once at the top, we looked up to see the men who were our pilots with all the gear. No turning back as the driver of the van had gone back down the mountain! I geared up and then the tears started (yes, I was that scared) but I wasn't about to give in. All of a sudden it was "run, run," and we were airborne. Once in the air I was almost instantly calm which was the most amazing thing. We glided for about 20 minutes and were astonished by the view of spectacular, snow covered mountains, a valley that stretched on forever and Bir below us to the left. The day was crystal clear and crisp. I loved it. Will I do it again? NO, definitely a bucket list experience. Actually, it wasn't even on the list, it was only due to pure peer pressure. There was no way I was going to be the only one not jumping. Jim was a calm as a cucumber; however, he has been paragliding before. Jim hired a go pro to record his glide and got some great footage.
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